So, as of now, gamers looking forward to Evolve will need to wait until February 10th, 2015 to play.

Strauss Zelnick, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is the head of ZelnickMedia, an investor in both Take-Two and Defy Media, LLC, our parent company. This article was published without approval or consent of ZelnickMedia or Take-Two.

When you finally reach the end of Grand Theft Auto V, you’ll find yourself doing something you almost never do after beating a game: sitting back and just letting the credits roll, without skipping them or getting up to do something else.

That feeling of “holy f*cking sh*t” at the end of an awesome movie, or at the finale of a great TV series, you get it fully with GTA V. When it’s over, you just want to sit back and think. And probably call up a friend and swear – a lot – about how much you liked it. And then play it again.

Grand Theft Auto V has aspirations of being taken seriously as a work of fiction, and it mostly succeeds. Behind the scores of dead bodies, the wreckage of exploded automobiles and the drug-fueled mayhem is a surprising maturity. Not just the rated-M kind, but of the actual “growth and life experience” variety. All at once, it’s an engrossing crime thriller, a somewhat nuanced exploration of the mid life crisis, a dense and scathing attack on the way masculine angst is stoked for political gain in modern America, and an unrelentingly cruel subversion of the gleeful sociopathy inherent in the wish fulfillment fantasies provided by open world crime games.

At the same time, it’s also an incredibly fun game. Problems that plagued Grand Theft Auto IV, both narrative and gameplay, have been corrected. The enormous parody of Southern California in which the game takes place is breathtakingly beautiful and eerily accurate (in broad strokes, naturally). Elements from previous Rockstar games that appear here have been perfected. Even mundane diversions like tennis and golf serve mainly to flesh things out, and never feel like tedious padding that masks a lack of content. And nearly every significant development of the seventh generation is combined here to mostly excellent effect. The result is something that feels like a living, breathing world on par with an MMO. A living, breathing world, of course, that you can terrorize to your heart’s content.

That it pulls all of that off is a testament not only to the ability of video games to tell complex stories, but to the fact that those stories are increasingly informed by how the people who make them have grown and changed as they approach middle age. But – and it’s a bigger ‘but’ than it should be – it is also somewhat kneecapped by the annoying ways in which its creators have refused to grow and change.

Much like an intense movie you only later realize has a flimsy plot that barely ties the first and third acts together1, or a great TV show you only notice during a Netflix binge has abandoned an entire story arc in the second season, GTA V’s many strengths are punctuated by needless problems. Those problems may seem minor in relation to the size of this game and the sheer volume of its successes, but they’re impossible to disregard unless you ignore them, especially if you’re willing to think for more than three seconds about the media you consume.

But make no mistake. Grand Theft Auto V is a spectacular, if somewhat flawed achievement that we will be debating and, of course, playing for years to come.

Arguably one of the best pro wrestling matches of all time, the epic hour-long iron man match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 12, will be featured in WWE 2K14 as part of the game’s 30 Years of Wrestlemania mode.

“It’s one of the better matches [in the mode],” said 2K Sports’ Senior Game Designer Bryan Williams.

While it should be no surprise that the match would be included in a mode dedicated to the storied history of Wreslemania, there are obviously some challenges involved with making a match that would take players over an hour to complete as part of the game’s main single player story mode. However, Williams said players would not have to play for the entire 60-plus minutes.

“Due to the power of game design and all of that other cool stuff we have at our disposal, we’ve done things to push the match along,” said Williams. “We didn’t want to have player sit through an entire hour, especially if they failed and had to do everything all over again.”

Personally, this is exciting news. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 12 is one of my all-time favorite matches in professional wrestling, and one that I actually got to experience first hand as part of the crowd.

WWE 2K14 comes out on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on Oct. 29, 2013. Are there any matches you’d like to see in the 30 Years of Wreslemania mode? Let us know in the comments.

Gearbox (I think) has created a little bit of viral marketing for Borderlands 2 in the form of a graphically (that’s technology, not gore) horrific little Flash game of Borderlands 2.

The 8-bit-ish version of the game lets you choose a character and blast away at waves of enemies in a top-down setting. You can find and grab better guns by killing guys, and you’ll level up and become powerful as you drop enemies as well. But of course, the longer you last, the worse the baddies become, and it’s not as if the hit detection is the greatest thing you’ve ever seen.

Hit this link to check out the demake version. There’s more cool Borderlands 2 stuff being dropped at that same site, wubwub.eu, and it appears as though more is on the way.

We are all greatly amused by Rockstar’s ability to stay maddeningly silent on the matter of GTA V. It’s quite a joy seeing the constant stream of absolutely nothing regarding concrete details or even a release date, despite the fact that Rockstar’s parent company has quite transparently carved out a gigantic space in the shape of Los Santos in their holiday, 2012 release schedule. This kind of mystery has been a boon to the economically vital ‘people who just kind of make stuff up and call it analysis‘ industry, and a grateful nation thanks them.

But, you know, we also know that Rockstar knows damned well when their game is coming out. Which is why rumors, like the report this week that Rockstar San Diego, the studio behind Red Dead Redemption, is assisting Rockstar North with the development of Grand Theft Auto V, leave us feeling hollow inside. It’s quite interesting to think that elements of RDR may find their way into GTA V, particularly since RDR is full of hints that it takes place in the GTA universe (with ‘New Austin’ subbing for Texas, and the frontier lasting a bit longer than it did IRL), but does it matter? Not really. Because we all know Rockstar know damned well when this game is coming out, and rumors like this feel suspiciously like ‘leaks’ rather than actual leaks.

I get that hype machines are powered by speculation and uncertainty, but can’t we stop to consider that we might be depleting the world’s supply? The ending of Mass Effect 3 already caused a major dent in our speculation reserves, and we really need to save some for when it comes time to argue over the next generation of consoles. So please, Rockstar, just announce a release date already.

Anyway, Rockstar San Diego might be working on GTA V. Make of that what you will.

I’m pretty sure that the power system at Rockstar Games HQ runs on concentrated speculation. Why else would the company refuse to confirm a launch date for a game everyone knows is probably coming out in October, if not to spark a constant, steady stream of analysts and industry observers claiming to have unlocked the Da Vinci Code of gaming? Rockstar must therefore employ PhD level intellects for the project of generating hype, because their total silence on the game has done nothing but get analyst after analyst to make unfounded, yet authoritatively-issued, statements about the future of the long awaited Grand Theft Auto V.

Enter Analyst firm Sterne Agee. Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia released a statement to the press on Friday making some rather bold claims about the game’s prospects for success. He expects GTA V to sell about 14 million copies during the initial launch window. Granted, that isn’t an insane number. GTA IV sold about 13 million during its first year, and in the 4 years since launching in 2008 has sold about 20 million copies. That is similar to the astonishing success of GTA games of the previous generation, and is almost certain to bear out.

Bhatia also agrees with Cowen & Company analyst Doug Creutz, that GTA V will be coming out in early 2013. This prediction is based on Take-Two’s financial predictions for their current fiscal year (which ends March 31, 2013); those predictions include approximately 450 million in revenues from Rockstar games that aren’t actually itemized in the statement. The obvious conclusion is that they’re assuming a GTA V release in the current fiscal year and, maddeningly, are refusing to announce it just yet.

I’m not a seasoned analyst, but I’ll say what I always say when these guys predict an early 2013 release date for GTA V: Rockstar’s corporate parent Take-Two has all but erected a giant billboard over October, 2012 that says INSERT GTA V HERE. This isn’t speculation, it’s fact. They’ve moved around not one but two major games, and put them squarely in the early-2013 window. It seems absurd to even consider that Take-Two would want Grand Theft Auto V to directly compete with BioShock 3. Which is why, until Rockstar finally gets off their ass and confirms the launch date, my money is squarely on october 23, 2012.

]]>http://www.gamefront.com/gta-v-to-sell-15m-at-launch-says-analyst-just-making-stuff-up/feed/2Max Payne 3 Ships 3 Million Copies, but PC Launch is Pushed to June 1http://www.gamefront.com/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-copies-but-pc-launch-is-pushed-to-june-1/
http://www.gamefront.com/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-copies-but-pc-launch-is-pushed-to-june-1/#commentsWed, 23 May 2012 00:41:23 +0000Phil Hornshawhttp://www.gamefront.com/?p=168593You'll have to wait three more days to control Max with a mouse and keyboard.

Take-Two Interactive had its quarterly earnings report this week, announcing that just a week after its release, Rockstar Games’ Max Payne 3 has shipped 3 million copies.

Worth noting before your eyes bug out of your head, of course, is that shipped and sold are two very different things, but at least there are a lot of Max Payne 3 discs out there in the world. Also worth noting: That number is console titles only, and doesn’t include the PC release, which has been pushed back from Tuesday, May 29, to Friday, June 1. That’s to sync up with the international precedent of launching games on a Friday, supposedly.

Industrygamers has come across a bit of news likely to send people absolutely rushing for the ‘wild speculation’ drawer of their overreaction shelves. After having lost 47 million during Q2, Take Two Interactive plans to $200 million in convertible senior notes that come due in 2016. The reason? “Net proceeds from the sale of the notes will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions and other strategic investments.”

You know what this means? Diamond grills for everyone who’s been with the company for more than 5 years. But more seriously, learned speculation is that the vast conglomerate that owns everything from GTA to Civilization is planning to make a new acquisition. Wedbush Securities’ Michael Pachter says “”We think that an acquisition is imminent, and believe Take-Two is likely exploring an investment in the mobile or social games space. We note that digitally delivered content accounted for 25% of net revenue in Q2:12, and management consistently lists digital as a component of the company’s growth strategy.”

That’s a bold move for a company that only just fought off a hostile takeover attempt from Eletronic Arts back in 2009. My guess? They’re going to buy a company that makes mobile games for beepers. Totally old school.

]]>http://www.gamefront.com/take-two-wants-200-million/feed/0Irrational Games Wants To Send Someone To E3http://www.gamefront.com/irrational-games-wants-to-send-someone-to-e3/
http://www.gamefront.com/irrational-games-wants-to-send-someone-to-e3/#commentsSat, 14 May 2011 17:27:43 +0000Ross Lincolnhttp://www.gamefront.com/?p=99693The BioShock Infinite devs are having a little contest. The winner gets a free trip to LA and 3 days with the nerdiest people on earth.

E3 is difficult to get into. Access is limited to games industry professionals and accredited journalists and the legions of game-buying citizens are otherwise left out, forced to live on the scraps of news that filters out of the convention. Sorry guys, but we’ll try not to enjoy ourselves too much when we see you.

One the other hand, if you want to go and don’t feel like getting a job in the industry or becoming a journalist, there might be another way to get in. Infinite Games, developer of the upcoming BioShock Infinite is having a contest – one winner will be flown out to LA, put up in a hotel and granted access to E3 2011. The contest runs until May 18th at 5:59 PM, Eastern time. You can see all the details here.

If you’re not sure if you want to go to E3, pay close attention: You want to go to E3. You’ll get your hands on games that might not be out for another year or more, and that’s not counting the numerous evening events hosted by developers in Downtown LA bars and clubs. Getting drunk on their dime while playing their games = wonderful way to spend a week.

Titles from Rockstar Games are known for their involved, huge collection quests (hidden packages and pigeons, anyone?) and tough Achievements and Trophies. The list of achievements is below. We also have a page with trophies, a full walkthrough, and cheats page that collects useful information about the game.

Asphalt Jungle (15 points)
Chase down and tackle a fleeing suspect on foot as an LAPD Detective.

Traffic Stop (15 points)
Disable a suspect vehicle with help from your partner.

Not So Hasty (15 points)
Stop a fleeing suspect with a warning shot as an LAPD Detective.

Shamus To The Stars (80 points)
Complete all story cases with a five star rating.

The Brass (30 points)
Achieve maximum rank.

The Plot Thickens (15 points)
Find and solve an inspection puzzle.

Golden Boy (15 points)
Clear a case finding every clue as an LAPD Detective or Investigator.

The Straight Dope (15 points)
Use evidence to prove a lie as an LAPD Detective or Investigator.

One For The File (15 points)
Find and inspect a clue as an LAPD Detective or Investigator.

The City Of The Angels (80 points)
Reach 100% Game Complete.

The Up And Up (30 points)
Complete a story case with a five star rating.

The Long Arm Of The Law (30 points)
Complete all street crime cases.

A Cop On Every Corner (15 points)
Complete a single street crime case.

Johnny On The Spot (30 points)
Respond to 20 street crime cases.

Public Menace (30 points)
Rack up $47,000 in penalties during a single story case.

The Moose (15 points)
Follow Candy Edwards without using cover or incognito, except when starting or picking up the tail.

Star Map (15 points)
Discover all landmark locations around the city.

The Third Degree (30 points)
Correctly branch every question in every interview in a single story case.

The Hunch (30 points)
Use four intuition points in a single interview session, correctly branching each question.

Auto Fanatic (30 points)
Drive every vehicle in the city.

Hollywoodland (30 points)
Find and inspect all gold film reels.

Auto Collector (15 points)
Drive 40 different vehicles.

Keep A Lid On (15 points)
Complete a brawl without losing your hat as an LAPD Detective or Investigator.

Auto Enthusiast (15 points)
Drive 5 different vehicles.

Lead Foot (15 points)
Keep the needle above 80mph for more than ten seconds while driving.

Miles On The Clock (15 points)
Drive more than 194.7 miles.

Magpie (80 points)
Find and inspect 95% of all clues.

The Shadow (15 points)
Tail a suspect without being spotted, in a single case.

Roscoe And Friends (15 points)
Kill at least one bad guy with every gun.

Wooden Overcoats (30 points)
Bring down a total of 30 bad guys with head shots.

Dead Men Are Heavier (15 points)
Shoot and kill a total of 100 bad guys.

Secret Achievements

Stab-Rite (15 points)
At Ray’s Cafe, find the bloodstained knife on your first sweep of the crime scene.

No Rest For The Wicked (15 points)
Complete all cases on the Vice desk.

Moth To A Flame (70 points)
Complete all cases on the Arson desk.

The Simple Art of Murder (15 points)
Complete all cases on the Homicide desk.

Police Academy (15 points)
Complete all cases on the Patrol desk.

Paved With Good Intentions (15 points)
Complete all cases on the Traffic desk.

Somebody accidentally hit the shiny red button over at Rockstar (or Team Bondi, or whoever has an irresistible red button marked “do not push”), accidentally posting a new trailer for L.A. Noire that included the release date of the game — which we’re not supposed to have.

And, diligently, the Internet has plucked it from the stream of digital noise, even though it was only available for a couple of minutes before Take 2 yanked it back.